Your dentist will need to know if you have any chronic conditions that could slow down the healing process. Uncontrolled diabetes, long-term steroid use, and cancer are all examples of these conditions.
If your current jawbone site is too thin or soft, an oral surgeon may add extra bone through a procedure called a bone graft. This is done in advance of the surgery.
Preparation
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They look and feel like real teeth, and they restore the function of your jaw. But getting dental implants requires preparation – especially when it comes to diet and recovery.
Your first step is to schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon. During the appointment, they’ll examine your mouth and take X-rays or scans. They will also discuss your expectations, answer any questions you may have, and review your medical history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for implant surgery.
You’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics before the procedure, and it’s important to finish the course as directed. It’s also a good idea to stock up on soft foods, such as smoothies, yogurt, and soup, to prepare for the days immediately following your dental implant surgery. You’ll only be able to eat soft, liquid foods during this time to avoid irritating the surgical site. This will help ensure quick, healthy healing.
Implant Placement
The process starts with a comprehensive exam, including dental X-rays and 3D images of your jaw and teeth. Then, the dentist or oral surgeon makes a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, considering factors like the number of damaged teeth that need replacing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums.
To place the implant, the dentist numbs your mouth with local anesthesia. Then, he or she makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone. Using a drill, holes are drilled into the bone, and an implant screw is placed in each hole.
The implant is then allowed to heal for several months. While this may seem like a long time, it’s worth the wait to ensure osseointegration success rates are high. For patients who want to speed up the process, a special procedure called immediate loading can be done at the same appointment as the extraction and bone graft (with a different type of bone graft). This reduces healing times.
Implant Restoration
Implant restoration is a permanent way to replace missing teeth. It looks natural and provides the patient with many benefits over traditional dentures.
The first step of the implant restoration process involves the placement of an abutment. The abutment screws into the implant body and supports an implant crown. The crown is often made of porcelain or ceramic and is screwed into the abutment, although cemented crowns are also possible.
If the patient has insufficient bone to support an implant, a bone graft may be needed. This will usually be done at the time of tooth extraction to preserve the site for the implant. Sometimes a sinus lift is necessary to add more bone to the upper jaw, which is called a “sinus augmentation” or “sinus lift.”
After dental implant surgery, the patient must practice good oral hygiene and attend regular checkups. It is important to avoid putting any unnecessary strain on the implants, as this could cause damage and lead to complications.
Post-Operative Care
The doctor will give you specific post-operative instructions based on your needs. In general, patients need to stick with a soft foods diet for 3-4 days after surgery. We also ask that you avoid tobacco, as it increases the chance of infection and stains the implant area. Patients are generally given antibiotics as well.
Some swelling and discomfort are to be expected. It varies from patient to patient, but can be reduced with the immediate use of an ice pack placed on the cheek or face adjacent to the surgical site. Sitting upright rather than lying down will also help decrease swelling after oral surgery.
It is normal for some oozing to occur following oral surgery, but this should stop within an hour. Spitting, using a straw, poking the wound, or smoking can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding from the surgical site. Patients can begin rinsing with salt water the day after surgery, but should be gentle with cleaning and only brush the teeth within the bounds of comfort.